Vehicle tire and rim.



E: H KOKEN.

VEHICLE TIRE AND RIM.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 27, 1911. RENEWED MAR, 2, 1912.

1,03%,760 Patented Oct; 1 1912.

2 SHEETSSHEET l.

INVENTOR- E. H. KOKEN.

VEHICLE TIRE AND RIM.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 27, 1911. RENEWED MAR. 2, 1912.

1,039,760. Patented 001.1, 1912.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

INVENTOR- Il iinesss:

M flw EJWdI'JKOkGIZ,

1W QM BY @6 warren sira'riis PATENT VEHICLE TIRE AN 3 Specification of Letters-Esteem.

Application filed January27, 1911 .Seria1 No. 605,116. Renewedlfiareh 2, 191%, Seria1@fo.@81,320.

more particularly to. those ofthe .block tread type.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a tire composed of a plurality of independently removable blocks of resilient material, together with retaining means for holding said blocks in spaced, relation with respect to each other to thereby provide transverse grooves or spaces between co-- adjacent blocks whereby the elasticity of the tire and its road gripping properties are increased. Y

This invention contemplates the employ mentof blocks having outwardly projecting tread portions which are. integral with or mounted on base portions which extend laterally beyond the faces of the tread portions to provide shoulders at the junction of the two port-ions of the blocks. The retaining means employed preferably embodies among other things a series of plates provided with apertures through which the tread portions of the blocks extend, these portions being arranged to nicely fill the apertures but preventing the passage therethrough of the base -or laterally projecting portions of the same. These plates may be of such a size as to receive only a single block or said plates may be extended .to constitute circumferential rings, provided with a plurality of apertures .to receive a portion or all of the blocks constituting the tire, and compress the base portions thereof against the outer face of the wheel rim on which said blocks are mounted.

More specifically the invention especially resides in the means for holding the tire retaining members on the wheel rimin such a manner that theymay be easily secured in position and readily removed to permit the removal of used or worn blocks and their replacement by new ones. The retaining means for the blocks are so constructed that when in operative position with respect to the blocks on the wheel rim thatthey will constantly clainp the base portions of the of tire-retaining means, and

blocks for holding the latter against displacement or wear and thereby increase the je'iiicicncy and life of the'blohks by carrystruction, combination and arrangement of parts constituting the invention to be herematter specifically described and illustrated in the. accompanying drawings which form a part hereof Wliereinis shown the preferred embodiment of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications can be resorted to which come within the scope of the claims hereunto appended.

In the drawings in which similar referencenumerals indicate like parts in the dif ferent figures, Figure 1, is a transverse secwheel with a tire mounted thereon on line X of Fig. 3, with the tire retainingdev-ice arranged'in position to be seated. Fig. 2, is a view similar to Fig. 1 with the parts assembled in position for use showing the base portion of the tire under compression and the tire-retaining means in its operative position; Fig. 3, is a plan of a portion of a vehicle tire constructed in accordance with this invention showing each block of the tire held by an individual tire-retaining plate; Fig. ,4, is a view similar to Fig.3 in which blocks are simultaneously held bye tire-retaining ring; Fig. 5, is a transverse sectional view of the rim portion of a vehicle wheel having mounted thereon a pinrality of series of rubber blocks to providea dual type of tire; Fig. 8, is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing a modified form Fig. 7 ,is a perspective View of a preferred form of elastic block to constitute a resilient portion of a tire constructed in accordance with this invention.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings, the reference numeral 1 denotes the telly of a vehicle wheel, mounted on which is an annular, and preferably metallice rim 2 the outer face of which constitutes tional view of the rim portion of a vehicle a seat for a tire. Along one of the edges of the rim 2- is an outwardly-extending flange 3 preferably formed integral with the rim 2. In the side face of the flange 3, which is adjacent to the tire seat, is a ciroumferential groove 4 the outer face 5 of which is at an acute inclination with respect to the tire seat. Adjacent to the opposite lateral face of the rim 2 are a plurality of apertures 6.

Mounted on the outer face, of the rim 2 and immediately over the portion containing the aperture 6 is a circumferential band 7, which may be endless, or consist of a split rm as preferred, which is provided with a p urality of apertures 8 arranged to register with the apertures 6 when the device is set up. The outer face-9 of the band 7 is formed at an acute inclination with respect to the outer vface of the rim 2 and approximately parallel with the wall 5 of the notch 4.

Mounted on the outer face of the rim 2 are a series of elastic blocks 10 preferably composed of vulcanized rubber and comprising outwardly-projecting tread portions 11 and preferably formed with extended base port-ions embodying laterally projecting ridges 12 and end ridges 13, and if desired, one or more longitudinally extending stiffening wires it. These blocks are preferably so arranged on the outer face of the rim 2 that their end ridges 13 will be in abutting .relation, thereby maintaining the tread pol"- tions 11 which receive the wear, in spaced relation with respect to each other to provide between coadjaoentblocks an open space or transverse groove. In order to hold these blocks securely in position and at the same time lreep the base portions of the blocks under continuous compression, to secure a maximum of efiiectiveness in the use of this type of tire, 1 preferably employ a plurality of retaining members, each embodying a plate 15 provided with an approximately central aperture 16 of a suit able size and configuration to permit the treadportion 11 of the block 10 to project therethrough, and which will snugly fit the lower portions thereof and rest upon the base portions of the block. Each of these plates is provided with. a beveled portion 17 arranged to engage the wall 5 of the notch 4, and the opposite side-18 of each block is inclined approximately parallel to the beveled portion 17. Adjacent to the inclined portion 18 of each of the blocks are apertures 19 arranged, when said member 15- is positioned, to register with the openings 8 and 6 to receive hold-fast devices, such as bolts 20, for maintaining the parts in position when assembled. ln this construction each bloclr 1G is provided with an inclined retaining member 15 and each block is secured in position the seat of the rim 2 noeavee under compression and the entire block will be held-by the retaining plate slightly off center and nearer the ring 17 than the flange 13. A suitable clamp is then placed on the retaining plate 15 which forces it downwardly and laterally, the beveled face 17 following the wall 5 until the outer face of the member 15 is approximately flush with the outer face of the flange 3 and simultaneously bringing the apertures 19 into registration with the. apertures 8 and 6 after which hold-fast devices 20 are passed through the registering apertures for holding the retaining member 15 in position. During this operation, the block 10 is moved laterally sufficiently to center it and at the same time, the base portion is compressed and kept under compression at all times by the retaining member 15, as shown in Fig. 2. The pressure of the retaining plate 15 is sufficient at all times to keep the inner face of the elastic block in constantcontact with the seat on the rim 2, thereby eliminating to a large extent any wear between the two, due to any movement transmitted from the tread while under service condition, and also prevents the entrance of gritty sub stances and water between the base portions and the rim. ft is pointed out that the hold fast device 20 is not intended to be used for seating the retaining member 15 and compressing the base of the rubber block, but is simply employed as a holding medium after the same has been clamped in position.

ployed in place of the plurality of tire retaining members 15, this band being held at suitable points by means of hold-fast devices 22 similar to the holdfast devices 20. The band in this case being provided with apertures 23 to receive the rubber tire blocks 2 in the same manner has been shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, the only diflerence being that instead of using the individual tire retaming members 15, a circumferential ring 21 is employed, but it is thought that a fur ther description of this will be unnecessary.

lln 5 is shown a rim constructed to hold a plurality of series of rubber blocks for constructing a wider or heavier tire. Iln this figure the reference nuu'eral 30 de' notes the felly on which is mounted the circumferential rim 81 the outer face of which constitutes a seat. Mounted on the seat is an annular band or ring 32 which may either be tightly or loosely mounted thereon.

weaves The sides of the ring 32 are provided with grooves 33 smilar to the grooves 4 in Fig 1 and having outer inclined walls 34-, Adjacent to the lateral edges of the rim 31 are openings similar to the openings 6 in Figyl, Mounted on the seat on the rim 81 and adjacen't' to the side edges there-oi are annularbands 35, apertured to receive bolts 36.. Q Mounted on the seat on the rim 31 are two;

a series of rubber blocks 37 and 38 arranged to be alternately disposed with respect to each other. Both series of blocks are held; in position by means of retaining platesE .or bands .39 similar in construction and function to the plates or the bands 21, the construction of the entire device difier-f ing from the construction shown in Figs. 1,; 2 and 3, only in the employment of the cir-i cumferential band 32, A I

In the modification shown in Fig. 6, the

reference numeral 40 denotes the telly of a? vehicle wheel on which is a rim. a1 provid d&

with an outwardly-extending flange 42, pro-;

face of which is inclined at a somewhat more acute angle to the tire seat than the upper face 19 of the band 7, in Fig, I. The tire blocks are held .in position by means of a{ tire retaining plate or band it .having a; beveled edge to engage in the groove to; and with its opposite end as beveled in an. opposite direction, The plate or band 4-7 is narrower than the plate or band .15 in Fig.1 to provide a circulnferential V-shaped groove or space between the beve'ledfedge iO and the upper inclined face of the band 46. Mounted in this circumferential Nehapedgroove is a V-shaped rin' ea Which'is preferably made in the form 0 a split ring, toallovr it being readily sprung into the groove; The" grooved ring 49 and band 1-6 are properly apertured to receive the holding bolts 44', In this modification each of the plates or retaining ring 47 is held securely in the groove 43 by means of the locking ring 49 Which performs identically the same func' tion in this case in retaining the tire blocks in position as does the retaining plates or ring 15 in Fig. 1, where the inclined edge 18 rests on the inclined face 19 of the band'7.

The function performed by the retaining plates or rings shown in Figs. 1-l-, as well as in the modifications illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, serve to hold the blocks of resilient material securely mounted on the outer faces of the rims which constitute seats therefor. and simultaneously compress or squeeze the base portions of the blocks so at all times theseportions of the blocks are compressed to obtain the highest amount of chi ciency in the use of this type of tire,

I claim:

1. A vehicle Wheel embodying a rim, an outwardlyprojecting and circumferentially extending element having a circumferential groove in one of the'side faces thereof carried by said rim, a plurality of tire-forming blocks-seated on said rim, each of said tireforming blocks com arising an outwardlyprojecting tread portion and a laterallyord jecting base portion, a retaining member ap'ertured to receive the tread portion of said tire-forming blocks and adapted to seat on the base portions thereof, one side edge of said member adaptedto engage in said groove, means for securing the opposite side 5 portion of said member to said run.

' 2. A vehicle wheel embodying a rim, an outwardly-projecting and circumferentiallyextending element having a circumferential groove in one of the side faces thereof carried by said rim, a plurality of tire-forming blocks seated on said rim, each of said tireforming blocks comprising an outwardly projecting tread portion and a laterally enlarged base, a retining member apertured to receive the tread port-ion of said tiretorming blocksand adapted to engage in said groove, means for supporting the opposite side of said member on said rim and hold-fast devices extending through said supporting means for connecting said tireretaining member and said rim for holding the former in position V r v 3. A vehicle Wheel embodying a rim the outer face of which constitutes a tire seatand having aperturesalon one side each thereof, an outwardlypro ecting and cir- 'cumferentially-extending element with a la-teral groove in one of the sidefaces thereor carried by said Tim, a plurality of tire v :liorming blocks seated on said rim, a retaining member, apertured to permit the tread portions of said tire-forming blocks to pro- "jest outwardly therethrough, one side ed e of said member arranged to engage in, sa1d groove, means for supporting the opposite side of said member on said rim and means connecting said fire-retaining member and said run and extending through apertures in the latter for holding the former in position.

4-. A vehicle wheel embodying a rim, an

outWardly-projecting-and circumferent-ially- "Jil her apertured toreceive the tread portionsof said tire-forming blocks and adapted to seat on the base portions thereof and having one side beveled, said beveled side adapted to bear against the outer inclined wall of said groove, means for holding the opposite side of said member in a position compressing the base portions of said tire-forming blocks.

5. A vehicle wheel embodying a rim, an outwardly-projecting and eircumferentiallyextending element carried by said rim, said element provided in one of the side faces thereof with a circumferential groove, a plurality of tire-forming blocks seated on said rim, each of said tire-forming blocks comprising an outwardly-projecting tread portion and a laterally enlarged base, a retaining member apertured to receive the tread portions of said tire-forming blocks and seated on the base portions thereof, one side edge of said member adapted to engage in said groove and means supporting the opposite side of said member on said rim for compressing the base portions of said tireforming blocks.

6. A vehicle wheel embodying a rim, an outwardly-projecting and circumferentiallyextending element carried by said rim, said element having a circumferential groove in one of the side faces thereof, a plurality of tire-forming blocks seated on said rim, each of said tire-forming blocks comprising an outwardly-projecting tread portion and a laterally enlarged base, a retaining member apertured to receive the tread portions of said tire-forming blocks and seated on the base thereof, one side edge of said member adapted to engage in said groove and simultaneously compress the base portions of saidblocks and means for supporting the opposite side-of said member on said rim.

7. A vehicle wheel embodying a rim co'noeeneo stitutinga seat for a tire and provided along. one of its lateral sides with an out Wardly-projecting .fiange having a circumferential groove formed in one of its side the side edges thereof, an outwardly projecting and circumferentially-extending ring-forming element carried by said rim, said element provided with a circumferential groove in one of the side faces thereof, a plurality of tire-forming blocks seated on said rim, each of said tire-forming blocks comprising an outwardly-projecting treadforming portion and a "laterally-projecting base-portion, a retaining memberprovided with an opening near one side thereof complementalto one of the openings in said rim, the opposite side edge of said member adapted to engage in said groove and with the median portion of said member seated on the base portion of one of said treadforming blocks and hold-fast devices arranged in said complemental openings for securing the free side portion'of said memher to said rim. v

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set. my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

EDWARD H. KOKEN.

Witnesses C. E. HUMPHREY, A. L. McCLINrooK. 

